2014 Mercedes Benz E-Class sedan and wagon unveiled

"Without a doubt the best E-Class ever." That's what Daimler's Dr. Joachim Schmidt and you to think about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In terms of what makes new cars tick, that's probably true. Don't expect a revolution, though there are some noteworthy details on the new E.

More bland, but better looking.
When the cars hit the stage at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, you'll see that the fussy styling details of the outgoing E have been erased, but what's left still looks like a Benz. The previous generation's rear fender accents have been ground off, and where there once were four separate front lighting elements there are now two. In addition, you can pick between two different nose treatments for the 2014 E-Class, one that's more traditional with the familiar hood ornament, the other picking up cues from the SL, with the big star planted in the middle of the grille.

S-Class beta test.
Mercedes repeatedly brings up the next S-Class when talking about the new E, and it's lifting a lot of safety and driver-assistance tech from the flagship sedan. Mercedes calls the suite of features "intelligent drive," and its sensors and algorithms deliver aids like Active Lane Keeping Assist, a Stereo Multi-Purpose camera to scan in front of the car, and Brake Assist that detects pedestrians and crossing traffic. While the car does more thinking on your behalf, you're free to work on your mastery of the COMAND infotainment interface.

Gas or diesel.
The four-cylinder E250 BlueTEC brings 190 hp and a brawny 369 lb-ft to the party. Picking the diesel now gets you standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, too. Gas-powered Es get either a 3.5 liter V6 or a 5.5 liter V8. Start/stop is standard, and it looks nice on the EPA tests. There's just one transmission, a seven-speed automatic with shift paddles and more attentiveness to manual commands.

Europe gets the good hybrid.
European customers get the BlueTEC Hybrid diesel-electric option, but in North America, the E400 Hybrid is the only choice, pairing the 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with a 27-hp electric motor.

High performance on the way
Don't worry: The E63 AMG will return for drivers who like their cars more rude. Drifting and parking-lot donuts will take a little extra effort though, since the E63 AMG is going to be AWD-only.

Overall, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class rolls into the 2014 model year significantly changed in lots of little ways that don't necessarily change the overall experience dramatically.

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